My daughter, Janae' Michaela, will be seven years old in under two months from now; she continues to be a little go-getter.

This is her mom, Evalene Hope, writing.  I hope this finds you well; now that the long, cold winter has finally started to loosen its grip on the nation (cold here still; still have snow on the ground from the last several storms!), maybe we can get outside and maybe I can get some needed yardwork done!

And maybe Janae' can stop hurting so much!  Seems that she has had one long, ongoing flare; it's only been in the last week where she hasn't hurt nearly as much, to where she can move around better on her crutches (or in her wheelchair).

As you know, Janae' has juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.  She has had it since she was three; she was diagnosed with it when she was nearly four; that's nearly three years now since she's suffered with it.  She still goes on as best as she can; she can teach the world a thing or two with her courage!  I know she teaches me and her brothers a lot!

Janae' can't wait to get back into the pool or outside; she loves the warmth and loves the sunshine (who doesn't??).  Swimming is one of her all time favorite things to do (besides singing, reading, or playing with her brothers or friends, that is).  She is a very busy, active little girl, even with her physical limitations; nothing has really stopped her; if it has, she isn't down for long!

Besides Janae' (she is our youngest), Herb and I also have four boys:  Javonte' Daniel (9), Quinton Jarell (11), Evonn Patrick (16), and our oldest, our son, Uriah Jontell, who just enlisted in the United States Marines (he leaves for boot camp this September).  We also have our dogs, our two weiner dogs named "Fritz" and "Shultzie".  That is our family.

Janae' is already counting the days to when school will be over.  She is also counting towards her seventh birthday in May; we are going to have a party for her (only she doesn't know it yet; it's a surprise! :) ).  For her birthday, we got her a new hand-pedaled bike (might be easier for her legs) and a new bedroom set; I know she will be thrilled when she gets her gifts! 

Well, I know it isn't much, but I am in the middle of doing laundry and cooking supper (tonight it's pork chops, sauerkraut, and collard greens, and for dessert, cherry pie).  I will write in here again soon with another update; until then, this is Evalene saying so long and God bless!

~Evalene.  :)